Ceiling light LED retrofit kit with light panel defining a raceway disposed in between existing light fixture tombstones

ABSTRACT

A retrofit kit for mounting with a ceiling light fixture having a base with a first side for facing a ceiling and an opposite side, the fixture having first and second tombstones configured to receive therebetween a linear fluorescent light tube. The retrofit kit has first and second ends, first and second profiles, and a light panel disposed between the first and second profiles. The light panel has a first side for facing the second side of the base of the light fixture and an opposite second side comprising a light emitting diode. The light panel, the first profile, and the second profile extend longitudinally from the first retrofit kit end to the second retrofit kit end and the light panel, the first profile, and the second profile extend longitudinally from proximate the first tombstone to proximate the second tombstone.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit ofpriority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 15/441,447, filed on Feb. 24,2017. This application further claims the benefit of priority of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/299,295, filed on Feb. 24, 2016,which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a ceiling light LED retrofitkit; more specifically, a kit for installation of light emitting diodelighting mounted upon a previously-installed fluorescent lightingfixture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluorescent lighting is commonly used in commercial building and officeinteriors. A typical fluorescent lighting fixture includes a base thatis mounted to a ceiling within a building. Carried upon the base is afirst electrical receptacle and a second electrical receptacle, with afluorescent light tube extending between and energized by the twoelectrical receptacles. A ballast for controlling the electrical powerto the fluorescent light tube is connected to the first and secondelectrical receptacles.

From an aesthetic standpoint, such fluorescent lighting often exposesbare fluorescent light tubes to occupants of the building. From anenergy standpoint, fluorescent lighting does not most efficientlyconvert electrical energy into illumination.

Recent interest has arisen toward converting existingpreviously-installed fluorescent lighting to lighting provided by lightemitting diodes (“LED”). LED lighting is more energy efficient thanfluorescent lighting. It has been found that conversion from afluorescent lighting fixture to an LED lighting fixture will provide areturn on investment, in reduced energy consumption, sufficient tojustify over time the costs of converting from fluorescent lighting toLED lighting.

Unfortunately, the previously-known methods and devices for convertingfrom fluorescent lighting to LED lighting are not optimized. Various ofthe previously-known such devices require removal, in whole or in part,of the existing fluorescent lighting fixture. More specifically, thepreviously-known methods of such conversion require removal of at leastthe base, the electrical receptacles, and the ballast of the fluorescentlighting fixture, or some combination of such components, before an LEDlighting system may be installed in its place. Furthermore, thepreviously-known methods of such conversion also require intensive useof skilled electricians to wire each of the new LED lighting devices,which increases the costs of such conversions.

In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have a ceiling lightLED retrofit kit optimized to reduce installation time, to reduce theneed for services from a skilled electrician, and to leave in place asmuch of the previously-installed fluorescent lighting apparatus aspossible thereby saving labor, reducing waste, and improving return oninvestment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following simplified summary of the invention provides a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not anextensive overview of the invention. Its purpose is to present conceptsof the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is subsequently presented.

A simplified, optimized ceiling light retrofit kit is provided.

In accordance with some aspects of some embodiments of the presentinvention, the ceiling light LED retrofit kit includes a combination forilluminating the interior of a building. The combination comprises firsta fixture attached to a building ceiling, and adapted for use of linearfluorescent light tubes. The fixture includes a base, a first electricalreceptacle, and a second electrical receptacle, the first and secondelectrical receptacles configured for receipt of a fluorescent lighttube disposed between them. The base includes a first longitudinal sideand an opposite second longitudinal side.

The combination further includes a retrofit kit, the retrofit kitincluding a light panel, a first profile, and a second profile. Thelight panel includes a first side facing the fixture and an oppositesecond side. The light panel, the first profile, and the second profilemay extend longitudinally from proximate the first electrical receptacleto proximate the second electrical receptacle, and be parallelone-to-another.

The retrofit kit also includes at least one light emitting diode, the atleast one light emitting diode residing on the second side of the lightpanel.

The first profile extends from the light panel to the first longitudinalside of the base and is engaged therewith. The second profile extendsfrom the light profile to the second longitudinal side of the base, andis engaged therewith.

The first profile, the second profile, light panel, and base definetherebetween a raceway.

Wiring, in electrical communication with the light emitting diode,resides within the raceway.

The foregoing description sets forth broadly certain features of thepresent invention, so that the detailed description herein below may bebetter understood, and so that the present contributions to the art fromthis invention may be better appreciated. Additional features of theinvention will be described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects described above, as well as other apparent aspects,advantages, and objectives of the present invention are apparent fromthe detailed description below, in combination with the drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an end elevation view of an embodiment of a ceiling light LEDretrofit kit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a retrofitkit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ceiling light LEDretrofit kit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ceiling light LEDretrofit kit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an endcap of a ceilinglight LED retrofit kit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a splice of a ceilinglight LED retrofit kit in accordance with the present invention

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an endcap of a ceilinglight LED retrofit kit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a splice of a ceilinglight LED retrofit kit in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which areillustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way ofexplanation of the invention, and not by way of limitation of theinvention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still furtherembodiment. It is intended that the present application include suchmodifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of theinvention.

A ceiling light LED retrofit kit 30 is disclosed.

Retrofit kit 30 may be understood in certain embodiments to be includedin a combination with a fixture 10.

Fixture 10 may include a pre-installed base 12 attached to the interiorceiling 68 of a building. Base 12 may be understood to define a firstlongitudinal side 14 and an opposed second longitudinal side 16. Base 12may also include a first electrical receptacle 21, a second electricalreceptacle 22, a third electrical receptacle 23, and so forth. Firstelectrical receptacle 21 and second electrical receptacle 22 may beconfigured and positioned for receipt of a linear fluorescent light tubedisposed between them and energized by them.

Generally, retrofit kit 30 is adapted to conceal or obscure thepre-installed base 12 so as to provide the appearance that the fixture10 is new or completely replaced. Retrofit kit 30 may include a lightpanel 40. Light panel 40 may define a first side 41 that faces fixture10 and an opposed second side 42. In some embodiments, the light panel40 may include a first angled wing 43 and a second angled wing 44. Oneor more light emitting diode 60 may be disposed on second side 42 oflight panel 40. In certain embodiments, it may be found that disposing alight emitting diode 60 on first angled wing 43 or second wing 44provides a more desirable path of illumination from light emitting diode60. Retrofit kit 30 may also include a power supply 64, to energize theLED 60.

Retrofit kit 30 may also include a first profile 51 and second profile52. The first profile 51 and/or second profile 52 may be integral withlight panel 40, which may be disposed between the first profile 51 andthe second profile 52. In other embodiments, first profile 51 and/orsecond profile 52 may be separate members that are attached to lightpanel 40, for example, at opposing, longitudinal edges of light panel40.

Light panel 40, first profile 51, and second profile 52 may extendlongitudinally from proximate the first electrical receptacle 21 toproximate the second electrical receptacle 22.

First profile 51 may extend from light panel 40 to first longitudinalside 14 of base 12 of fixture 10. Second profile 52 may extend fromlight panel 40 to the second longitudinal 16 of base 12 of fixture 10.

First profile 51 and second profile 52 may each be flat or may insteadinclude a rib 59 that extends longitudinally from one end of the profileto the opposing end, respectively. Rib 59 may be optionally included toprovide enhanced stiffness to first profile 51 and/or second profile 52

First profile 51 and second profile 52 may be attached to firstlongitudinal side 14 and second longitudinal side 16, respectively. Withfirst profile 51 attached to first longitudinal side 14 and secondprofile 52 attached to second longitudinal side 16, first profile 51,second profile 52, light panel 40, and base 12 may define between them araceway 62. Upon final assembly, electrical wiring in electricalcommunication with light emitting diode 60 may reside within raceway 62.Furthermore, power supply 64 for the LED 60 may be stored in raceway 62.

When attached to pre-installed base, the present ceiling light LEDretrofit kit is adapted to conceal the prior components and to providethe appearance of a new or replaced light fixture.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present ceiling light LEDretrofit kit. Base 12 of fixture 10 is attached to ceiling 68. Base 12includes first longitudinal side 14 and second longitudinal side 16. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, first electrical receptacle 21 and thirdelectrical receptacle 23, which had previously been used in base 12 tohold and power a longitudinal fluorescent light tube, may be left withinthe ceiling light LED retrofit kit. As also illustrated, power supply64, used to energize the LED, may be simply located within raceway 62.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, light panel 40, first profile51, and second profile 52 are integral. In other embodiments, firstprofile 51 and second profile 52 may be separate elements that have beenattached to light panel 40.

First profile 51 is attached to first longitudinal side 14 of base 12 offixture 10. Second profile 52 is attached to second longitudinal side 16of base 12 of fixture 10.

A light emitting diode 60 may be disposed on second angled wing 44 oflight panel 40. Light emitting diode 60 is in electrical communicationwith an electrical power source (not shown).

A lens 66 may be attached to light panel 40, as illustrated in FIG. 1.Lens 66 may be configured to provide a pleasing and estheticallyattractive dispersion of light emitted from light emitting diode 60.FIG. 1 illustrates an angle A formed between the surface of first angledwing 43 and the surface of the lens 66, when attached.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a retrofit kit 30. As depictedtherein, retrofit kit 30 includes a first profile 51, extendinglongitudinally, and a second profile 52 extending longitudinally. Firstprofile 51 and second profile 52 may include a plurality of apertures,for example, 70 a and 70 b, for attachment to base 12 of fixture 10.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are illustrations of an assembled LED retrofit kit. InFIG. 3, retrofit kit 30 includes a first profile 51, extendinglongitudinally, and a second profile 52 extending longitudinally. Inthis embodiment, first profile 51 and second profile 52 are separate. Alens 66 is illustrated as attached to first profile and second profile,such as by an endcap or clip, for example, 72 (shown in FIG. 7). Asillustrated, first profile 51 and second profile 52 may include one ormore longitudinal ribs, for example, 59, complimenting and correspondingto one or more endcap ribs. Second profile 52 is illustrated as attachedto first longitudinal side 14 of base 12 of fixture 10.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an assembled LED retrofit kit. Fixture 10,which includes second electrical receptacle 22, is illustrated inphantom. First profile 51 is illustrated as attached to firstlongitudinal side 14 of base 12 of fixture 10. Power supply 64 isillustrated as residing within raceway 62 and endcap 72 is shown inplace upon the assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an endcap 72, for use with oneembodiment of the present ceiling light LED retrofit kit.

In particular applications, a plurality of light panels 40 may bedisposed end to end in electrical series, for particular advantages. Insuch configurations, a splice 74 may be used at the juncture of any twoabutting light panels 40. An embodiment of a splice 74 is depicted inFIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an endcap 72, for use with oneembodiment the present ceiling light LED retrofit kit. In thisembodiment, endcap 72 includes one or more ribs that correspond the oneor more longitudinal ribs, for example, 59, along the first profile 51and the second profile 52, respectively.

In some applications, a plurality of light panels 40 may be disposed endto end in electrical series, for particular advantages. In suchconfigurations, a splice 74 may be used at the juncture of any twoabutting light panels 40. An embodiment of a splice 74 is depicted inFIG. 8. In this embodiment, the splice may include one or morecorresponding ribs, for example, 59 a and 59 b, that correspond to theone or more longitudinal ribs, for example, 59, along the first profile51 and the second profile 52, respectively.

The present invention further contemplates a method for retrofittingpre-installed fixtures or bases using the kit described herein. In oneembodiment, the method may include the steps of: 1) identifying afixture having a pre-installed base having a first longitudinal side anda second longitudinal side; 2) providing a ceiling light LED retrofitkit comprising: a first profile, an opposing second profile, and a lightpanel, the light panel being disposed between the first profile and theopposing second profile; 3) connecting the first profile to the firstlongitudinal side, and the second profile to the second longitudinalside of the pre-installed base; 4) providing a light emitting diode andelectrically connecting it to the light panel; and 5) covering the lightpanel with a lens.

So configured, the ceiling light LED retrofit kit of the presentinvention offers several advantages, efficiencies, and optimizations.Because it is attached to an old fluorescent light fixture, addedrigidity and strength is accomplished. For that reason, for example,thinner material may be used with first profile 51 and/or second profile52, achieving material costs savings, yet providing sufficientstructural strength. Similarly, because the present ceiling lightretrofit kit does not require disassembly of the first, second, and soforth electrical receptacles 21, 22 of the earlier fixture 10, labor anddisposal costs are avoided. (Such electrical receptacles are sometimesreferred to as “tombstones” by those with skill in this technology).Furthermore, because the previously-used, now de-energized ballast forthe fluorescent light tubes can be left within the base 12, additionallabor and disposal time and cost savings are achieved. As yet still afurther example, the finished assembly of the within ceiling light LEDretrofit kit includes a lens, rather than a previously-exposed linearfluorescent light tubes, providing a more attractive appearance and alsoenabling the user to provide custom refraction from the lightilluminating from light emitting diode 60, as may be desired inparticular applications.

While the particular ceiling light LED retrofit kit as herein shown anddescribed is fully capable of achieving the objects of the invention, itis to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of thepresent invention and is thus representative of the subject matterthat's broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is to befurther understood that the scope of the present invention fullyencompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilledin the art. It is intended that the present invention includes suchmodifications and variations as come within the scope of the appendedclaim and their equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A retrofit kit for mounting with apreviously-installed light fixture attached to the ceiling of a buildingto which electrical power has been disconnected, thepreviously-installed light fixture having first and second tombstonesconfigured to energize a fluorescent light tube, thepreviously-installed light fixture being devoid of a fluorescent lighttube, the retrofit kit comprising: a light panel, the light panelincluding a first side facing the previously-installed light fixture andan opposite second side; the light panel residing at least partiallybetween the first tombstone and the second tombstone; the light paneldefining a raceway external to and above the light panel and below thepreviously-installed light fixture; a light emitting diode residing onthe second side of the light panel; and an electrical conductor, theelectrical conductor residing in the raceway and in electricalcommunication with the light emitting diode.
 2. The retrofit kit asrecited in claim 1, wherein the light panel resides below the first andsecond tombstones.
 3. The retrofit kit as recited in claim 1, whereinthe retrofit kit is connected directly to the fixture and not connecteddirectly to the fixture.
 4. The retrofit kit as recited in claim 1,wherein the retrofit kit is mechanically connected directly to the firstand second tombstones.
 5. The retrofit kit as recited in claim 1,wherein the retrofit kit further includes a first profile and a secondprofile, the first and second profiles connected to the light panel, thelight panel defining a width and the first profile extending from afirst side of the width and the second profile extending from theopposite side of the width.
 6. The retrofit kit as recited in claim 5,wherein the first profile, the second profile, and the light panel areintegral.
 7. The retrofit kit of claim 5, wherein the first and secondprofiles are attached to the fixture.
 8. The retrofit kit of claim 5,wherein the light panel and the first and second profiles are planar. 9.The retrofit kit as recited in claim 1, in which the electricalconductor is adapted for electrical connection to a serially-disposedsecond retrofit kit.
 10. The retrofit kit as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a lens proximate to the second side and distal to thefixture.
 11. The retrofit kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the lightpanel has a first angled wing and a second angled wing, the first andsecond angled wings residing at acute angles to horizontal.
 12. Theretrofit kit of claim 1, wherein the light panel is planar.
 13. Aretrofit kit for mounting with a previously-installed interior ceilinglight fixture having first and second tombstones, the retrofit kitcomprising: a light panel, the light panel having a first end disposedproximate the first tombstone and a second end disposed proximate thesecond tombstone; the previously-installed interior ceiling lightfixture and the light panel electrically separated; thepreviously-installed interior ceiling light fixture and the light paneldefining between them a raceway external to the retrofit kit; and alight emitting diode disposed on the second side of the light panel. 14.The retrofit kit as recited in claim 13, wherein the light panel residesabove the first and second tombstones.
 15. The retrofit kit as recitedin claim 13, further including a lens, the lens residing below the firstand second tombstones.
 16. The retrofit kit as recited in claim 13,wherein the retrofit kit is attached directly to thepreviously-installed interior ceiling light fixture.
 17. The retrofitkit as recited in claim 13, wherein the retrofit kit is attacheddirectly to the first and second tombstones.
 18. A retrofit kit formounting with a de-energized ceiling light fixture that has a base witha first longitudinal side for facing a ceiling and an opposite secondlongitudinal side, the fixture further having a first tombstone and asecond tombstone configured to receive therebetween a linear fluorescentlight tube, the retrofit kit comprising: a first end and a second end; afirst profile and a second profile; a light panel disposed between thefirst profile and the second profile, the light panel having a firstside for facing the second side of the base of the light fixture and anopposite second side for illuminating the area underneath the lightpanel when the retrofit kit is mounted onto the ceiling light fixtureand electrical power is supplied to the light panel; wherein the secondside of the light panel comprises a light emitting diode; wherein thelight panel, the first profile, and the second profile extendlongitudinally from the first retrofit kit end to the second retrofitkit end and, when the retrofit kit is mounted onto the ceiling lightfixture, the light panel, the first profile, and the second profileextend longitudinally from proximate the first tombstone to proximatethe second tombstone; and electrical wiring residing external to theretrofit kit and between the retrofit kit and the de-energized ceilinglight fixture, to connect the light emitting diode to a power supply forilluminating the area underneath the second side of the light panel. 19.The retrofit kit as recited in claim 18, wherein the light panel residesbelow the first and second tombstones.
 20. The retrofit kit as recitedin claim 18, wherein the retrofit kit is connected directly to thefixture and not connected directly to the tombstones.
 21. The retrofitkit as recited in claim 18, wherein the retrofit kit is connecteddirectly to the first and second tombstones.
 22. The retrofit kit asrecited in claim 18, wherein the first profile, the second profile, andthe light panel are integral.
 23. The retrofit kit of claim 18, whereinthe light panel is at least partially planar.
 24. A method forretrofitting a fluorescent lighting ceiling fixture, comprising thesteps of: a) identifying a fluorescent lighting ceiling fixture having apre-installed base with first and second tombstones disposed to receivebetween them a fluorescent lighting tube; b) disconnecting electricalconnections to the fluorescent lighting ceiling fixture c) removing allfluorescent lighting tubes from the ceiling fixture; d) leaving asinstalled the first and second tombstones in position in the ceilingfixture; e) providing a ceiling light LED retrofit kit adapted to attachwith the pre-installed base, the ceiling light LED retrofit kitincluding: a first profile, an opposing second profile, a light paneldisposed between the first profile and the opposing second profile, anda light emitting diode; f) attaching the ceiling light LED retrofit kitto the ceiling fixture, leaving a raceway between the ceiling fixtureand the ceiling light LED retrofit kit and external to the ceiling lightLED retrofit kit; and g) disposing an electrical conductor at leastpartially within the raceway and in electrical communication with thelight emitting diode.
 25. The method as recited in claim 24, furtherincluding the steps of h) providing a retrofit kit of claim 1; i)disposing the retrofit kit of claim 1 in end-to-end series with theceiling light LED retrofit kit of claim 24; i) connecting the electricalconductor of claim 24 to the electrical conductor of claim
 1. 26. Themethod as recited in claim 24, wherein the step of attaching the ceilinglight LED retrofit kit to the ceiling fixture includes attaching theceiling light LED retrofit kit directly to the ceiling fixture.
 27. Themethod as recited in claim 24, wherein the step of attaching the ceilinglight LED retrofit kit to the ceiling fixture includes attaching theceiling light LED retrofit kit directly to the first and secondtombstones.
 28. The method as recited in claim 24, wherein thefluorescent lighting ceiling fixture includes an electrical ballast,further including the step of leaving the electrical ballast within thefluorescent lighting ceiling fixture.